Anyone who’s ever tried to stop a cat from climbing the Christmas tree or keep a dog from digging in the Ficus planter knows how difficult it is to keep pets away from plants. Unfortunately, some plants can be harmful if your pet accidentally – or intentionally – eats them. Here are ten houseplants that are non-toxic to pets, so you can enjoy their beauty without worrying about dangers to your furry friends.
African Violet
Saintpaulia ionantha
The cheerful, easy-care African violet will grace your home with purple, pink, and white blooms year-round, even doing double duty outdoors in hanging baskets and containers during the summer months.
Aluminum Plant
Pilea species
Another pet-safe potted plant that thrives indoors in the winter and outdoors on the deck in the summer. Aluminum plant is a favorite grown for its low mounds of foliage in varied colors, shapes, and patterns.
Bromeliads
Easy-care, tough, and colorful; bromeliads are a prized houseplant among those seeking to make a statement with their indoor plant displays. The rigid foliage and vibrant colors give bromeliads a sculptural appeal.
Moth Orchid
Phalaenopsis species
Moth orchids are a very popular and pet-friendly houseplant that can be moved outside in the warmer months. They’re easy to care for and add a beautiful tropical feel to a room when in flower.
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
A staple of indoor hanging baskets and tropical displays, the spider plant poses no threat to your pets. Incredibly easy to grow – this is the perfect plant for beginners!
Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
Almost as beloved a houseplant as the spider plant, the Boston fern is another easy-care option for adding lush foliage to your interior spaces. Grow it outdoor in the summer in containers or hanging baskets.
Lipstick Plant
Aeschynanthus radicans
This exotic, nontoxic houseplant will bloom all year round with unique, tube-like red flowers. The trailing foliage is ideal for hanging baskets. This is another plant that doesn’t mind getting outside in the warmer months.
Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera species
Popular for its holiday-season blooms, this easy-care succulent is also non-toxic to pets. Makes a beautiful foliage plant when not in flower and loves being outside during in the summer.
Peperomia
Peperomia species
Peperomias are available in a wide variety of foliage shapes, textures and leaf patterns – all safe for growing around your pets. One of the easiest houseplants to grow, and their incredible variety makes them a great choice for those who like to “collect” plants.
Hens and Chicks
Sempervivum species
Don’t let these darling succulents fool you–they’re tough as nails. This is the beginning gardener’s perfect pet-friendly choice. They’re easy to grow, require very little maintenance, and are happy indoors or out.
When it comes to pets and plants, you really can have it all. Give yourself peace of mind with these popular, pet-friendly houseplants. Bonus – many of them can do double duty in the summer, growing in pots on the patio, porch or balcony.
